Bulk bag adjuster

Abstract

Providing a more dynamic and durable bulk bag adjuster. [Solution] A bulk bag conditioning assembly is disclosed. The assembly includes a frame assembly that defines a bulk bag conditioning region. The frame assembly includes a first carrier frame having a first ram and a second carrier frame having a second ram. The first actuator assembly includes a first end fixed to the first carrier frame and a second end fixed to the second carrier frame. The second actuator assembly includes a first end fixed to the first carrier frame and a second end fixed to the second carrier frame. A control unit is configured to simultaneously drive the first and second rams linearly toward each other to engage the bulk bag within the bulk bag conditioning region.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the handling and processing of bulk bags, and more particularly to bulk bag conditioners. Background Art

[0002] U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 201,642, filed on March 15, 2021, is hereby incorporated by reference into the present specification.

[0003] Bulk bags can be used for the transport or storage of materials. The top of the bag may include an inlet, and the bottom of the bag may include a closed end configured to retain material until the contents of the bulk bag are to be discharged. Depending on the material in the bulk bag, inter-particulate adhesion formation or agglomeration may occur for various reasons. Therefore, when the bottom of the bulk bag is later opened (for example, by forming a spout or cutting the bag), the bulk material does not flow and does not exit the bag.

[0004] It is known that breaking up (dispersing) particulate matter addresses these problems. Bulk bag conditioners are generally known to disperse particulate material within bulk bags to ensure that the material flows properly. One such configuration is shown in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0360431, which is commonly owned by the present applicant and is hereby incorporated by reference into the present specification.

[0005] One known bulk bag adjuster includes an external frame or cage to which a pair of independently driven rams are mounted. The bulk bag is positioned on a vertical lifting assembly or scissor lift, which drives the bulk bag up and down, allowing the rams to engage with various areas of the bulk bag. The cage of these known bulk bag adjusters is required to completely enclose the bulk bag. Furthermore, the cage includes transverse members or connecting members configured to ensure that the opposing sides of the cage remain connected to each other when an adjusting or crushing force is applied via the rams. In such a configuration, all reaction forces that squeeze or engage the bag are transmitted through the external frame or cage.

[0006] These configurations have several drawbacks. The surrounding support members are subjected to high loads during adjustment. The extension of the bulk bag when engaged with the vertically fixed rams also acts a large downward force on the scissor lift. In addition, the bulk bag must be centered between the relatively opposing rams because it shifts or tilts off-center during the application of adjustment forces.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need for a more dynamic and durable bulk bag regulator. [Overview of the Initiative] [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] This specification discloses a bulkbag adjuster assembly comprising a frame assembly defining a bulkbag adjustment region. The frame assembly includes a first carrier frame including a first ram, a second carrier frame including a second ram, a first actuator assembly including a first end fixed to the first carrier frame and a second end fixed to the second carrier frame, and a second actuator assembly including a first end fixed to the first carrier frame and a second end fixed to the second carrier frame. A control unit is configured to simultaneously drive the first and second rams linearly toward each other to engage with the bulkbag within the bulkbag adjustment region.

[0009] In one embodiment, the frame assembly includes a perimeter frame having a continuous and closed perimeter, dimensioned to define a bulkbag adjustment area.

[0010] To minimize the length of the hydraulic hose, the control unit is preferably mounted directly to either the first carrier frame or the second carrier frame.

[0011] In one embodiment, the first carrier frame and the second carrier frame each have rolling elements or bearing elements that allow the carrier frames to be driven linearly toward each other to engage with the bulk bag.

[0012] In one embodiment, the perimeter frame includes a first support rail, a second support rail, and a pair of guide rails connecting the first and second support rails. Each pair of guide rails can define a roller track configured to define paths for a plurality of rollers on the first and second carrier frames.

[0013] A vertical lifting assembly can be provided, configured to raise and lower the frame assembly relative to the bulk bag. In another embodiment, the bulk bag can be raised and lowered while the surrounding frame remains stationary.

[0014] In one embodiment, the first actuator assembly is located on the first side of the frame assembly, and the second actuator assembly is located on the second side of the frame assembly, the second side being opposite to the first side.

[0015] In one embodiment, each carrier frame has an H-shape including a pair of legs and a frame body extending between them, and each pair of legs includes a plurality of rollers.

[0016] A support base can be provided within the frame assembly to support the bulk bags. A vertical lifting assembly can also be provided to raise and lower the frame assembly.

[0017] This specification also discloses a method for adjusting a bulkbag. This method includes providing a bulkbag adjuster assembly that includes a frame assembly including a perimeter frame having a closed perimeter. The frame assembly includes a first ram, a second ram, and an actuator assembly commonly connected to both the first and second rams. A vertical lifting assembly is provided and configured to raise and lower the bulkbag adjuster assembly. This method includes positioning the bulkbag above or below the bulkbag adjuster assembly. This method also includes raising and lowering the bulkbag adjuster via the vertical lifting assembly such that the first and second rams face at least a portion of the bulkbag. This method includes operating the actuator assembly to adjust the bulkbag by simultaneously driving the first and second rams linearly toward each other to engage with the bulkbag.

[0018] Additional embodiments are described in this specification. The foregoing summary and the following detailed description will be readily understood in conjunction with the accompanying drawings illustrating preferred embodiments of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a top view of a bulk bag conditioner assembly according to one aspect. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a side view of the bulk bag conditioner assembly of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the bulk bag conditioner assembly. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one carrier frame of the bulk bag conditioner assembly. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a frame assembly of the bulk bag conditioner assembly. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the frame assembly, carrier frame, and hydraulic cylinder of the bulk bag conditioner assembly in an initial state. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the frame assembly, carrier frame, and hydraulic cylinder of the bulk bag conditioner assembly in a partially compressed state. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the carrier frame and hydraulic cylinder of the bulk bag conditioner assembly. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the carrier frame of the bulk bag conditioner assembly. [Figure 10A] FIG. 2 is a top view of the bulk bag conditioner assembly in various states. [Figure 10B] FIG. 2 is a top view of the bulk bag conditioner assembly in various states. [Figure 10C] FIG. 2 is a top view of the bulk bag conditioner assembly in various states. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing one example of a force diagram illustrating the compressive force generated by the bulk bag conditioner assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0020] In the following description, specific terms are used for the purpose of convenience only and are not intended to be limiting. The terms "right", "left", "lower", and "upper" indicate directions in the referenced drawings. This terminology includes the words specifically mentioned above, their derivatives, and words of similar meaning. Furthermore, the terms "a" and "one" are defined to include one or more of the referenced items, unless otherwise specified.

[0021] As shown in Figures 1 to 10C, a bulk bag regulator assembly 10 is disclosed. The bulk bag regulator assembly 10 generally includes a frame assembly 12, a first actuator assembly 40, and a second actuator assembly 50. The first actuator assembly 40 and the second actuator assembly 50 are generally configured to drive rams 24, 34 toward each other, which will be described in more detail herein. The term actuator assembly is used to refer to any type of actuation unit capable of imparting motion. In one embodiment, the actuator assembly is a hydraulic cylinder assembly. In another embodiment, the actuator assembly is a ball screw actuator. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other types of actuators may also be used. In this specification, the actuator assemblies are interchangeably referred to as hydraulic cylinder assemblies.

[0022] In one embodiment, the first hydraulic cylinder assembly 40 and the second hydraulic cylinder assembly 50 are coupled to each other, such that the hydraulic cylinder assemblies 40, 50 are configured to simultaneously drive the first ram 24 and the second ram 34 linearly toward each other to engage the bulk bag 5. The first hydraulic cylinder assembly 40 and the second hydraulic cylinder assembly 50 are both configured to be driven by a common control unit or hydraulic power unit 70, which will be described in more detail herein.

[0023] Although two hydraulic cylinder assemblies 40 and 50 are shown in the drawings, those skilled in the art will understand that three or more hydraulic cylinder assemblies may be used.

[0024] The frame assembly 12 includes a perimeter frame, which includes a first support rail 14, a second support rail 16, and a pair of guide rails 18a, 18b connecting the first support rail 14 and the second support rail 16. In one embodiment, the frame assembly 12 includes a plurality of rolling or bearing elements. Each of the guide rails 18a, 18b defines a roller track 19, as will be described in more detail herein, which defines a path configured for rollers 26a-26d, 36a-36d to slide along it. As shown in Figure 5, each of the guide rails 18a, 18b may define a connection area 18c configured for the engagement of cables, chains, wires, or other hoisting elements, as will be described in more detail herein.

[0025] Track 19 has dimensions such that it holds rollers 26a-26d and 36a-36d laterally. At the same time, track 19 allows rollers 26a-26d and 36a-36d to roll longitudinally along track 19. Rollers 26a-26d and 36a-36d may include wheel components, bearings, or any other rolling configuration. In one embodiment, sliding bearing blocks in grooved channels can be used as a substitute for rollers. In another embodiment, linear bearings or guide shafts can be used as a substitute for rollers. Those skilled in the art will recognize that any type of guide interface, rolling interface, or bearing interface that enables longitudinal movement can be provided.

[0026] A first carrier frame 20 and a second carrier frame 30 are provided, which generally support rams 24 and 34, respectively. Each of the carrier frames 20 and 30 generally has an H-shape and is also referred to herein as an H-frame carrier.

[0027] Figure 4 shows the first carrier frame 20 alone. Although not specifically shown, the second carrier frame 30 has the same features as the first carrier frame 20. The carrier frames 20 and 30 are configured to be driven toward each other via the first hydraulic cylinder assembly 40 and the second hydraulic cylinder assembly 50. In one embodiment, the carrier frames 20 and 30 are driven toward each other in a linear direction and in a common horizontal plane. In one embodiment, the carrier frames 20 and 30, and therefore the rams 24 and 34, provide the most efficient application of compressive force to the bulk bag 5 without any pivot motion. All force from the hydraulic cylinder assemblies 40 and 50 is driven linearly from the rams 24 and 34 to the bulk bag 5.

[0028] The first carrier frame 20 includes a pair of legs 22a, 22b and a first frame body 22c extending between them. The first frame body 22c is fixed to the pair of legs 22a, 22b. The first frame body 22c preferably includes a first ram 24 in the central region of the first frame body 22c. The first carrier frame 20 is configured to be guided along the pair of guide rails 18a, 18b via a plurality of rollers 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d that slide along the tracks 19 of the guide rails 18a, 18b.

[0029] The second carrier frame 30 includes a pair of legs 32a, 32b and a second frame body 32c extending between them. The second frame body 32c preferably includes a second ram 34 in the central region of the second frame body 32c. The second carrier frame 30 is configured to be guided along the pair of guide rails 18a, 18b via a plurality of rollers 36a, 36b, 36c, 36d that slide along the tracks 19 of the guide rails 18a, 18b. As described above, the carrier frames 20, 30 may include alternative rolling elements, bearing elements, or rolling elements as alternatives to the rollers.

[0030] The first hydraulic cylinder assembly 40 includes a first end 42a fixed to the first frame body 22c and a second end 42b fixed to the second frame body 32c. The first hydraulic cylinder assembly 40 generally includes, among its components, a rod 44b and a cylinder 44a. The hydraulic cylinder assemblies 40, 50 disclosed herein can extend and retract using a pressurized working fluid such as oil. While hydraulic cylinders are described herein, those skilled in the art will recognize from this disclosure that other types of mechanical or electromechanical actuators may be used. The second hydraulic cylinder assembly 50 includes a first end 52a fixed to the first frame body 22c and a second end 52b fixed to the second frame body 32c. The second hydraulic cylinder assembly 50 also includes, among its components, a rod 54b and a cylinder 54a. In one embodiment, the ends 42a, 42b, 52a, and 52b of the hydraulic assemblies 40 and 50 can be fixed to the respective carrier frames 20 and 30 via pivotal connectors.

[0031] In one embodiment, the actuator assembly, i.e., the hydraulic cylinder assemblies 40, 50, are mounted on the opposite side of the bulk bag or bulk bag receiving area. In one embodiment, the actuator assembly or hydraulic cylinder assemblies 40, 50 are mounted on the same side of the bulk bag or bulk bag receiving area. The exact relative positional relationship of the actuator assemblies, i.e., the hydraulic cylinder assemblies 40, 50, can vary.

[0032] In one embodiment, the control unit or hydraulic power unit 70 is mounted directly to the carrier frames 20, 30, as shown in Figures 1, 2, 9, and 10A-10C. In some drawings, the control unit 70 is not specifically shown on the frame assembly 12 for the sole purpose of simplification and to illustrate other aspects of the assembly. The control unit 70 can be mounted directly to the first frame body 22c or the second frame body 32c. Those skilled in the art will understand that the control unit 70 can be mounted at any position on the bulk bag regulator assembly 10. The control unit 70 is generally configured to control the extension and contraction of the hydraulic cylinder assemblies 40, 50 and is operably connected to the hydraulic cylinder assemblies 40, 50. As shown in Figure 1, the control unit 70 is mounted on the side of the assembly that is closer to or adjacent to the cylinders 44b, 54b of the hydraulic cylinder assemblies 40, 50 than the rods 44b, 54b.

[0033] The bulk bag adjuster assembly 10 may further include a bulk bag support base 80. The support base 80 may be configured to rotate. In one embodiment, the support base 80 is fixed vertically. In one embodiment, the bulk bags 5 are loaded onto a pallet, and then a forklift or other lifting means loads the pallet and bulk bags 5 onto the support base 80.

[0034] Furthermore, a vertical lifting assembly 90 is provided to raise and lower the bulk bag adjuster assembly 10. The vertical lifting assembly 90 can be fixed above the bulk bag adjustment area or receiving area 4, or it can be fixed to a support frame 8. The frame 8 is configured solely for supporting the vertical lifting assembly 90 and does not otherwise provide any structural or support function for the bulk bag adjuster assembly 10. The vertical lifting assembly 90 may include cables, chains, wires, or other hoisting elements, as illustrated as element 92 in Figure 2. The vertical lifting assembly 90 can be remotely controlled by personnel to raise and lower the bulk bag adjuster assembly 10. In one embodiment, a control unit 70 can be operably connected to the vertical lifting assembly 90 to control the operation of the vertical lifting assembly 90. Based on this configuration, the bulk bag 5 can be stationary in the vertical direction, and the bulk bag adjuster assembly 10 can be raised and lowered to engage with a specific area of ​​the bulk bag 5. Those skilled in the art will also understand that the vertical lifting assembly 90 can be operated via another control unit, such as a control unit mounted on a fixed frame.

[0035] The bulkbag 5 normally experiences stretching during adjustment, but this configuration allows for free upward stretching. In other words, no downward forces and stresses are applied to the frame assembly 12 and rams 24, 34. The bulkbag adjuster assembly 10 is supported only vertically via the vertical lifting assembly 90, and otherwise floats freely and is unsupported.

[0036] In the initial stage, the bulk bag adjuster assembly 10 is in the raised position, and there are no obstacles in the bag receiving area, i.e., the bag adjustment area 4. Next, the bulk bag 5 is placed on the support base 80. Once the bulk bag 5 is placed on the support base 80, the vertical lifting assembly 90 lowers the bulk bag adjuster assembly 10 so that the bulk bag adjuster assembly 10 surrounds the bulk bag 5. In another embodiment, the bulk bag adjuster assembly 10 can be placed on the ground before the bulk bag 5 is placed on the support base 80. Once the bulk bag 5 is placed on the support base 80, the vertical lifting assembly 90 can raise the bulk bag adjuster assembly 10 until it surrounds the bulk bag 5.

[0037] The configuration of the hydraulic cylinder assemblies 40, 50 generates adjusting or compressive forces on both sides of the bulk bag 5. Compressive forces are applied to the bulk bag 5 via the rams 24, 34 by contracting the hydraulic cylinder assemblies 40, 50, thereby drawing the H-frame carriers 20, 30 closer to each other. In other words, the hydraulic cylinder assemblies 40, 50 are pulled inward or contracted relative to the bulk bag 5 using the rod 44b, 54b sides of the assemblies 40, 50. This configuration mitigates the buckling of the hydraulic cylinder rods that occurs in known bulk bag adjusting configurations. In one embodiment, the H-frame carriers 20, 30, the rams 24, 34, and the hydraulic cylinder assemblies 40, 50 are all located within a common horizontal plane. In other words, a single horizontal plane (i.e., a plane generally parallel to the ground) extends through each of these components.

[0038] As shown in Figures 6, 7 and 10A-10C, during the crushing or adjustment cycle, the rams 24, 34 are driven toward each other until the first ram (i.e., ram 34 in Figure 10B) engages with the bulk bag 5. This configuration allows the bulk bag 5 not to be positioned correctly or perfectly centered with respect to the rams 24, 34, because the rams 24, 34 are driven or linked in common via the hydraulic cylinder assemblies 40, 50. This is beneficial to the operator as it reduces the time and effort required to perform bulk bag adjustment, as the bulk bag does not need to be repositioned until it is in the relative center within the ram, as required in known bulk bag adjustment arrangements. As shown for ram 24 between Figures 10B and 10C, when the first ram 24, 34 engages with the bulk bag 5 and encounters resistance, the opposing rams 24, 34 continue to move inward until the other ram 24, 34 also engages with the bulk bag 5. Once both rams 24 and 34 are securely engaged with the bulk bag 5, the crushing or adjustment of the bulk bag 5 begins in full.

[0039] Instead of the hydraulic cylinder assemblies 40 and 50 being pushed out from the surrounding frame or external cage, a reaction force from the opposing parts of the hydraulic cylinder assemblies 40 and 50 is applied to the bulk bag 5. This results in a 2:1 load on the bulk bag 5 (as shown in Figure 11), allowing for greater force to be applied. Alternatively, a relatively smaller and less expensive hydraulic cylinder assembly can be used compared to known bulk bag adjustment configurations.

[0040] This configuration lacks an external cage or frame surrounding the bulk bag regulator assembly 10. The assembly 10 is essentially self-supporting, except for vertical support (such as a lifting assembly for raising and lowering the assembly 10). Partially, this configuration is made possible by the enclosed perimeter provided by the bulk bag regulator assembly 10. The perimeter frame (i.e., the first support rail 14, the second support rail 16, and the pair of guide rails 18a, 18b connecting the first support rail 14 and the second support rail 16) has a continuous and enclosed perimeter with dimensions defining the bulk bag receiving area or adjustment area 4. In other words, the bulk bag regulator assembly 10 completely encloses the bulk bag 5, preventing the bag 5 from tipping over and falling, and enhancing safety for personnel operating the bulk bag regulator assembly 10. Furthermore, since the hydraulic assemblies 40, 50 retract and do not extend outside the outer structure or support structure, there is no requirement for an external or perimeter cage structure.

[0041] The rams 24 and 34 are in a free-floating state based on the configuration of the bulk bag adjuster assembly 10. Based on this configuration, the rams 24 and 34 self-align with the bulk bag 5 during compression or adjustment. Furthermore, if the bulk bag 5 is pulled upward via the vertical lifting assembly or driven upward via a unidirectional lifting device, the extension of the bulk bag 5 that occurs during adjustment is permitted to occur without upward constraint and resistance.

[0042] The hydraulic cylinder assemblies 40 and 50 act to drive the rams 24 and 34 toward each other. This arrangement isolates the forces involved with the hydraulic cylinder assemblies 40 and 50. Because the rams 24 and 34 are connected or coupled via the hydraulic cylinder assemblies 40 and 50, the forces applied to the bulk bag 5 are at least twice as strong as in known arrangements.

[0043] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram showing the forces applied by rams 24 and 34 through hydraulic cylinder assemblies 40 and 50. In this diagram, each of the hydraulic cylinder assemblies 40 and 50 applies a force of 500 pounds, and each of the rams 24 and 34 applies a force of 1,000 pounds to the side of the bulk bag.

[0044] This specification also discloses a method for adjusting a bulk bag. This method includes providing a bulk bag adjuster assembly 10 which includes a frame assembly 12 which includes a perimeter frame having a closed perimeter. The frame assembly 12 includes a first ram 24, a second ram 34, and hydraulic cylinder assemblies 40, 50 which are commonly connected to both the first ram 24 and the second ram 34. A vertical lifting assembly 90 is configured to lift and lower the bulk bag adjuster assembly 10.

[0045] This method includes positioning the bulk bag 5 above or below the bulk bag adjuster assembly 10. This step depends on the initial position of the bulk bag adjuster assembly 10. If the initial position of the bulk bag adjuster assembly 10 is in the raised position, the bulk bag 5 is positioned below the bulk bag adjuster assembly 10. Alternatively, if the initial position of the bulk bag adjuster assembly 10 is at ground level, the bulk bag 5 is positioned above the bulk bag adjuster assembly 10. In either case, the bulk bag 5 can be loaded onto the support base 80.

[0046] Next, the method includes raising or lowering the bulk bag adjuster 10 using the vertical lifting assembly 90 so that the first ram 24 and the second ram 34 face at least a portion of the bulk bag 5. The exact positions of the rams 24 and 34 relative to the bulk bag 5 can vary and depend on which area of ​​the bulk bag 5 needs to be adjusted.

[0047] This method includes acting the hydraulic cylinder assemblies 40 and 50 to simultaneously drive the first ram 24 and the second ram 34 linearly toward each other to engage with the bulk bag 5 and adjust the bulk bag 5.

[0048] The method may further include rotating the support base 80 to rotate the bulk bag 5 so that the first ram 24 and the second ram 34 engage with all sides and corners of the bulk bag 5. The method may further include providing one or more of the other components described herein.

[0049] Furthermore, it is understood that various parts of the present invention can be used individually or in combination, and that not all components are essential for a particular application. Therefore, it is understood that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and that modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention are intended.

Claims

[Claim 1] A frame assembly including a perimeter frame having a continuous and closed perimeter defining a bulkbag adjustment region, the frame assembly including a first carrier frame including a first ram and a second carrier frame including a second ram, A first actuator assembly including a first end fixed to a first carrier frame and a second end fixed to a second carrier frame, A second actuator assembly including a first end fixed to a first carrier frame and a second end fixed to a second carrier frame, Includes, The first actuator assembly and the second actuator assembly are mounted on the opposite side of the bulk bag receiving area. A bulk bag adjuster assembly characterized in that a first actuator assembly and a second actuator assembly drive a first carrier frame and a second carrier frame toward each other in a linear direction and in a common horizontal plane, thereby simultaneously driving a first ram and a second ram linearly toward each other and engaging them with a bulk bag within a bulk bag preparation area.

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